9-Oxaprostaglandin compositions

ABSTRACT

7-(3 Alpha -(3-hydroxy-3-hydrocarbylpropyl or -1-propenyl)-4hydroxy-tetrahydro-2 Beta -furyl)-heptanoic or 5-heptenoic acids, esters or salts thereof are stable, prostaglandin-like acting agents.

United States Patent Vlattas May 13, 1975 [54] 9.0XAPROSTAGLANDIN COMPOSITIONS 3,729,502 4/1973 Beal et al 260/3473 [75] Inventor: Isidoros Vlattas, Summit, NJ. [73] Assignee: Ciba-Geigy Corporation, Ardsley, Primary Examiner s am Rose y Attorney, Agent, or Flrm.loseph G. Kolodny;

Theodore O. Groeger; John J. Maitner [22] Filed: May 18, 1973 [2|] Appl. No.: 361,694

[57] ABSTRACT 52 U.S. CI. 424/285 [51} lm. Cl A6lk 27/00 H3a"3"Ydmxy3'hydmcarbypmpy' 58 Field of Search 424/285 260/347 3 347.5 Pmpeny')'4'hydmy'twahydm'zB'MY'Hepmm'c 0r S-heptenoic acids, esters or salts thereof are stable, [56] References Cited prostaglandin-like acting agents.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 3 Claims, No Drawings 3,678,092 7/l972 Finch 260/3473 9-OXAPROSTAGLANDIN COMPOSITIONS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is known that the natural prostaglandins are very rapidly metabolized to less active or inactive compounds, some even within a few minutes after introvenous administration. Moreover, according to German Pat. No. 2,229,225 lactones are known (formally derivatives of the 9-oxo-lO-oxaprostanoic acid) which are similarly prone to metabolic attack, especially under alkaline conditions in the gut. The 9-oxaprostanoic acid derivatives of the invention, however, are chemically and metabolically quite stable compounds which surprisingly exhibit the full spectrum of activity shown by the natural prostaglandins.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention concerns and has for its object the provision of 7-{3a-(3-hydroxy-3- hydrocarbylpropyl or -l-propenorynyll-4-hydroxytetrahydro-2B-furyl]-heptanoic or S-heptenoic acids, more particularly of those corresponding to Formula I {I 1 7 1 2 3 on (CH coon wherein R is hydrogen, one metal equivalent or an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, araliphatic or aromatic radical, A is ethylene or ethenylene, each of R and R is hydrogen or lower alkyl and R is an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or araliphatic radical, or the l,2-dihydro or -dehydro derivatives thereof, corresponding pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the preparation and application of these products, which are useful prostaglandin-like acting smooth muscle contractants and abortifacient agents, but more stable than the easily dehydrating prostaglandins of the E series, or hydrolyzable 9-oxo-l0-oxaprostanoic acid derivatives.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An aliphatic radical R or R represents preferably lower alkyl, as is the case with R and R e.g. methyl, ethyl, nor i-propyl, -butyl, pentyl, -hexyl or -heptyl; lower alkenyl, e.g. allyl or mcthallyl; or lower alkynyl, e.g. ethynyl or propargyl. The term lower referred to above and hereinafter in connection with organic radicals or compounds respectively, defines such with up to 7, preferably up to 4, carbon atoms. R also represents higher alkyl, especially such with 8 to 12 carbon atoms, such as nor i-octyl, -nonyl, -decyl, -undecyl or -dodecyl.

Said lower cycloaliphatic radicals R and R are preferably 3 to 7 ring-membered cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl or (cycloalkyl or cycloalkenylJ-lower alkyl groups, e.g. cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl; cyclopent-l -enyl or cyclohex-lor 3-enyl; cyclopropyl methyl, cyclobutylmethyl, lor Z-cyclopentylethyl; cyclopent-3-enylmcthyl or cyclohex-l-enylmethyl.

Said araliphatic or aromatic radicals R or R are preferably isocyclic, monocyclic radicals, such as phenyllower alkyl or phenyl groups, unsubstituted or substituted in the aromatic ring by one or more than one, especially one or two, of the same or different substituents, such as lower alkyl, e.g. methyl, ethyl, nor ipropyl or -butyl; lower alkoxy, e.g. methoxy, ethoxy, nor i-propoxy or -butoxy; lower alkylenedioxy, e.g. methylenedioxy, l,lor l,2-ethylenedioxy; halogeno, e.g. fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo; trifluoromethyl, nitro or amino, such as di-lower alkyl-amino, e.g. dimethylamino or diethylamino. Said aliphatic radicals, especially lower alkyl groups R can also be substituted by one of said lower alkoxy groups or one, or up to the maximum number of halogen atoms, as is the case in trifluoromethyl, 2-(methoxy, ethoxy, chloro, bromo or iodo)-ethyl, -propyl or -butyl, 2,2-dichloro-ethyl, -pro pyl or -butyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, 3-(methoxy, ethoxy, chloro or bromo)-propyl or -butyl, 4(methoxy or chloro)-butyl.

The compounds of the invention exhibit valuable, prostaglandin-like properties, especially smooth muscle contracting and hypotensive activity. This can be demonstrated either in vitro or in vivo tests, using advantageously mammals, such as mice, rats, guinea pigs or dogs as test objects, or isolated organs thereof. The in vitro tests are performed with the guinea pig ileum in a standard organ bath, e.g. physiological saline. The compounds of the invention, when added to said bath in such amounts to reach concentrations down to about 10 molar, contract the isolated ileum. Histamine hydrochloride and prostaglandin E, are used as a positive standard and the usual experiments include the control for vehicle and buffer effects.

Moreover, antifertility effects are tested in rats or hamsters, e.g. by administering the compounds of the invention to pregnant hamsters, for example 2.5 to 10 mg/kg thereof, subcutaneously once on day five of pregnancy, and inspecting on the eleventh day the uterus thereof for implantation sites and surviving embryos. Also smaller doses can be used for intravenous or intrauterine administration, or larger amounts for oral administration, e.g., to spontaneous hypertensive rats, whose blood pressure is monitored by standard means, and is reduced by said compounds.

Accordingly, the compounds of the invention can be applied enterally or parenterally, e.g. by inhalation of a nebulized aqueous solution, or by peroral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraveneous or intrauterine administration, in the dosage range known for the natural prostaglandins. According to the test results obtained, they are useful hypotensive, abortifacient and luteolytic agents, for example, in the treatment or manage ment of hypertension, especially fertility. They are also valuable intermediates of other preparations, preferably of pharmacologically useful products.

Preferred compounds of the invention are those of Formula I, in which each of R and R is lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, (3 to 7 ring-membered cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl)-C,,,H wherein m is an integer from O to 4, or Ph-C H wherein Ph is phenyl, (lower alkyl)-phenyl, (lower alkoxylphenyl, (lower alkylenedioxyl-phenyl, (halogeno)-phenyl, (trifluoromethyl)-phenyl, (nitro)-phenyl or (di-lower al kylamino)-phenyl and n is an integer from I to 4, R is also hydrogen, Ph, an alkali metal or one equivalent of an alkaline earth metal and R is also (lower alkoxy or halo)-lower alkyl, A is ethylene or ethenylene, R, and R are hydrogen or lower alkyl, or the 1,2-dihydroderivatives thereof.

More active and stable are those 301,4(1- and 38,46- dihydroxycompounds of Formula I, wherein R is hyl-l HO wherein R is hydrogen, sodium, potassium or alkyl with up to 4 carbon atoms, A is ethylene or cisethenylene, R is hydrogen or methyl and R is nphenyl, n-hexyl, n heptyl, 2-,3- or 4 (cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl or phenyl)-ethyl, -propyl or -butyl respectively,

Of compounds of Formula II, it is advantageous to select those wherein R is hydrogen, sodium or potassium, A is ethylene or cis-ethenylene, R is hydrogen or methyl and R is n-pentyl, n-hexyl or 3-phenylpropyl, due to their outstanding activity and stability.

The compounds of the invention are prepared according to methods known per se, for example by:

a. reducing in a corresponding 7-[3a-(3-oxo3- hydrocarbylpropy) or l-propenor ynyl)-4-hydroxytetrahydro-ZB-furyl]-heptanor S-enoic acid, or a functional acidor hyroxy-derivative thereof, the oxo group to hydroxy or b. oxidizing a corresponding 7-[3a-(3-hydroxy-3- hydrocarbylpropyl or l-propenor ynyl)-4-hydroxytetrahydro-2fl'furyll-heptanol or S-heptenal, or a functional hydroxyderivative thereof, to the acid, or

c. reacting the 2B-(6-carboxyhexyl or 2-enyl)-4 hydroxy-tetrahydro-3a-furfural, or a functional acid or hydroxyderivative thereof, with the ylid of Formula lll wherein X is lower alkyl or phenyl and Y is metallized or etherified hydroxy, or

d. reacting a corresponding [3a-(3-hydroxy-3- hydrocarbylpropyl or l-propenor ynyl)4-hydroxy tetrahydro-Zflfuryll-acetaldehyde or a functional hydroxy derivative thereof, with the compound of Formula IV wherein X has the above meaning and Z is functionally converted carboxy, and hydrolyzing any resulting hydroxy derivative in basic or acidic media or any resulting acid amide or nitrile in strong basic media and, if desired, esterifying or salifying any resulting acid or hydrolyzing esters or salts of hydrogenating any resulting dehydro derivative until the desired amount of hydro gen is consumed.

A metallized compound lll is preferably derived from an alkali metal, eg. sodium or potassium. and in a cor responding ether Y is preferably tetrahydropyranyloxy or methoxymethoxy. A functional acid derivative used in the above reactions is preferably a metal salt or an ester, eg. such mentioned above for the compounds of Formula I, or advantageously the nitrile. A functional hydroxy derivative is either an ester or ether, such as a lower alkanoic acid ester, e.g. the acetate or propionate, but advantageously the 2-tetrahydropyranyl ether.

The reduction according to item (a) is advanta geously carried out with simple or complex light metal hydrides, such as borohydrides or alkali metal or zinc boronor aluminumhydrides or lower alkoxyhydrides, e.g. lithium aluminumhydride, sodium or zinc borohy dride; lithium tri-t-butoxyaluminumhydride or triethox yaluminumhydride, or according to Meerwein- Ponndorf-Verley with aluminum lower alkoxides, eg the ethoxide or the isopropoxide, preferably in the presence of a lower alkanol, e.g. isopropanol and/or a dihaloaluminum lower alkoxide, e,g. dichloroaluminum isopropoxide.

The oxidation according to (b) is carried out in the conventional manner for oxidizing aldehydes, eg. with catalytically activated or nascent oxygen, the latter is preferably derived from oxidizing acids or suitable salts or anhydrides thereof, e.g. periodic acid, sodium hypochlorite, chromic, ferric or cupric halides or sulfates, manganese IV, chromium Vl, vanadium V. mercuric or silver oxide, in acidic or alkaline media. Said agents are used in the equivalent amounts and/or under careful condition, in Order to prevent oxidations at other sites of the molecule.

The reactions according to items (c) and (d) are carried out according to the Wittig Reaction, ie. either with the isolated reactants of Formulae lll or IV, or the precursors thereof, eg. by combining the corresonding phosphonium halide with a strong base, such as an alkali metal hydroxide, alkoxide, alkyl or phenyl compound first, whereupon the aldehyde is added. Reaction (c) is followed by acid hydrolysis in order to eliminate Y.

Any resulting hydroxy or carboxy derivative is hydrolyzed in the usual manner, for example a lower alkanoic acid ester of the 3B-hydroxy compound, or the nitrile or a lower alkyl ester of the heptanoic acid, with a base, such as an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide or carbonate, or an ether of the Fifi-hydroxy compound with an acid, such as a mineral, cg hydrohalic or sulfuric acid. Any resulting acid may be esterified or salified in the usual manner, for example, with lower alltanols in the presence of mineral acids, preferably with lower diazoalkanes, or corresponding buses or ion exchangers respectively. Any resulting dehydro derivative (e.g,

=ethenylene) can be selectively hydrogenated by the careful addition of diimine or sufficient hydrogen in the presence ota hydrogenation catalyst, such as platinum, palladium or nickel catalyst. Said hydrogenation is preferably carried out prior to said hydrolysis of the 3,8- hydroxy derivatives, in order to protect the propd-enyl double bond,

The starting material used can be prepared according to the following formula scheme illustrated by the examples herein:

rig-coon 4) 00119119 11, (XHP-Cfl-COOR HG-(Cl-Ifl -Ru (Iva) e) IVa+ Y- cn -cooa O coon (v) 0 (CHZMJ'M f) v+mm HOT-1000 (VI) 0 0 2 p' -t 8) H W 'mpo Ucooa 0 (CH )p-R n) v11 LiAll-l 'IhpO Uca ou( VII 2 m 0T Ic110 0 (Ili -Ru J) 1x+(x) P-t -o ThpO ..cn-c c-o R1R3 l L 1 3 (x k) 1x+n1 no ..ca-c oa l l 1 2 3 (x1) 0 cu -c110 wherein R is either A'(CH );;-CN or a group capable of being converted into CHO, such as an etherified dihydroxymethyl(acetal) group, derived, for example, from lower alkanols or glycols, e.g. methanol, ethanol or ethylene glycol and pis the integer 0 or 1. Accordingly, in case R is A-(CH -CN, compounds of For mula X are starting materials for the reduction mentioned under item (a), compounds of Formula IX are for (d). In case R in X contains said group convertible into CHO, such compound is reduced as in (a) and CH0 is liberated in acids, starting material for (b) is obtained. Said products can be converted into the other starting materials as described above for the resulting compounds of Formula I.

Another method for the preparation of the starting materials mentioned under item (a) to (c) is the follow starting materials for (c) and those of Formula Xl such 59 i g;

a p) xv 211 0 no .ca-p- 2=o I R1 R3 q) x111 n 0 cao H0 2.0a l

wherein R is said group capable of being converted such compound is reacted as in (c) or reduced as in into CH0 and the other symbols have the meanings (a), whereupon CHO is liberated in acidic media, start given above. Accordingly, compounds of Formula XVI ing material for (d) is obtained.

are starting materials for (a) and XVII for (b) if R is 15 A-(CH h-CN In case R in Formulae X and XVI is Another process for said starting material is depicted said group capable of being converted into CH0 and by the following scheme:

l l (XVIII) u CH(0C2H5)2 1') VIII p o R CWC1 ThpO M a 6 a) XVIII aotlcaf ocw- R3 0 CH0 (XIX) t) x1): (c a 1= CHS-C6H5 no .ca ocw-R I c c s ii O H=H--65 u) xx no .ca oa l o o CH=CHS-C6H5 v) XXI I a; ThpO .CH OThp k (XXII) o CH=CH-S-C6H5 2.039 w) 10:11 1.Hg(00C-CH ThpO .CI-l OThp (xxIII o cu -ca -oa 1:) mn H m tl n rhp (HIV) cn -cao u xnv (X3)P-CH-(CH2)3-Z 'InpO ..CH 0Thp O CH2-CHaCH-(CH2)3-Z z) xxv no .cm ou I cu -ca-cn(cn -z iro . ca oco N02 (xxvII) zb) xxvn LU 2,011 VIII RA= 2 wherein W is H: or 0. The latter VIII is converted to the corresponding X as shown above.

Finally, selected compounds of the invention, or starting materials, can be prepared as follows:

and/or H The above steps (d), (j), (k). (l), (n), (s), (t), (u), (x), (y) and (z) are carried out analogous to (b) or (c); the condensations according to (e) or (m) advantageously in di-lower alkylsulfoxides, e.g dimethylsulfoxide, followed by acid treatment; the reductions according to (f), (h) and (w) are performed analogously to (a); the etherifications, ketalizations or trans-ketalizations according to (g), (o), (v) or (2b) respectively are advantageously carried out in the presence of an organic acid, e.g. picric or p-toluenesulfonic acid and an inert diluent, such as a halogenalkane, e.g. methylene chloride; the oxidation according to (i) or (x) is advantageously performed with the use of heavy metal oxides, eg. silver or chromium VI oxide, advantageously in inert solvents, such as halogenalkanes and/or pyridine. The ring-closure according to (p) occurs spontaneously after acid hydrolysis of the bis-ketal, whereas that according to (q) requires first acid hydrolysis to convert R to formyl and the following aldol condensation occurs under basic conditions, e.g. in the presence of alkali metals, their alkoxides or amides. The esterification or benzylation according to (v) and (2a) are carried out in the usual manner, preferably in the presence ofa base, e.g. pyridine, or sodium hydride respectively.

Resulting mixtures of isomers can be separated into the single isomers by methods in themselves known, e.g. by fractional distillation. crystallization and/or chromatography. Racemic products can likewise be resolved into the optical antipodes, for example, by separation of diastereomeric esters or salts thereof. e.g. by the fractional crystallization of dor I-2-pyrrolidone-3- carboxylates, 3B-acetoxyM-etienates, -a(2,4,5,7 tetranitro-9-fluorenylideneaminooxyi-propionates or ThpO salts of dor l-a-phenethylamine, -l-phenyl2 propylamine or -dihydroabietylamine.

The above reactions are carried out according to standard methods, in the presence or absence of dilu- (XXVIII) 2lp' l C C- C OH 5 CH2) (iiii rx ents, preferably such as are inert to the reagents and are solvents thereof, of catalysts, condensing, neutralizing agents and/or inert atmospheres, at low temperatures, room temperature or elevated temperatures, at atmospheric or superatmospheric pressure. For example, any generated mineral or sulfonic acid may be neutralized with inorganic or organic bases, such as alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxides, carbonates or bicarbonates or nitrogen bases, such as tri-lower alkylamines or pyridine.

The invention also comprises any modification of the above process, wherein a compound resulting as an intermediate at any stage thereof, is used as starting material and the remaining steps are carried out or the process is discontinued at any stage thereof, or in which the starting material is formed under the reaction conditions or is used in the form of its salts or other derivatives In the above processes, those starting materials are advantageously selected, which yield the abovedescribed preferred embodiments of the invention.

The pharmacologically active compounds of the invention are useful in the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions containing an effective amount thereof in conjunction or admixture with excipients suitable for either enteral or parenteral application, Preferred are tablets and gelatin capsules comprising the active ingredient together with (a) diluents, e.g. lactose, dextrose, sucrose, mannitol, sorbitol, cellulose and/or glycine, (b) lubricants, e.g, silica, talcum, stearic acid, its magnesium or calcium salt and/or polye thyleneglycol, for tablets also (c) binders, e.g. magne sium aluminum silicate, starch paste, gelatin, tragacanth, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulosc and/or polyvinylpyrrolidone, if desired, (d) disintegrants, cg starches, agar, alginic acid or its sodium salt, enzymes of the binders or effervescent mixtures and/or (e) adsorbents, colorants, flavors, sweeteners and coating agents, e.g. concentrated aqueous sugar solutions containing gum arabic, talcum and/or titanium dioxide, or solutions of lacquers in easily volatile organic solvents, in order to obtain regular or sustained release formulations. lnjectable compositions are pref erably aqueous isotonic solutions or suspensions, and suppositories are advantageously fatty emulsions or suspensions, e.g. in cocoa butter. They may be sterilized and/or contain adjuvants, such as preserving, stabilizing, wetting or emulsifying agents, solution promoters, salts for regulating the osmotic pressure and/or buffers. They may also contain other therapeutic agents, e.g. diuretics and/or psychotherapeutics as in U.S. Pats. 3,081,230 or 3,499,082. Said compositions are prepared according to conventional mixing, granu lating or coating methods respectively and contain about 0.00] to 75 percent, preferably about l to 50 percent of the active ingredient.

The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention and are not to be construed as being limitations thereon. Temperatures are given in degrees Centigrade, and all parts wherever given are parts by weight. if not otherwise stated, all evaporations are car ried out under reduced pressure, the infrared spectra are obtained from about 1-5 percent solutions in chlo reform and the N.M.R. spectra from about percent solutions in deuterochloroform at 60 Mc/sec. with tet ramethylsilane as zero.

EXAMPLE l showing in the [.R. spectrum bands at 3500 and 2253,

but none at 1690 or 1630 cm.

To the solution of 0.7 g thereof in ml of methanol,

0.1 ml 2N sulfuric acid are added and the mixture allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. lt is evaporated, the residue taken up in water, the mixture extracted with diethyl ether, the extract washed with water and saturated aqueous sodium chloride, dried and evaporated. The residue is subjected to preparative thin-layer chromatography on silica gel plates (l mm thick), eluted twice with ethyl acetate-methylene chloride (4:1) and of the two main fractions, the slower moving isomer is isolated. to yield the 7-[3(1(3l3- hydroxy-l -trans-octenyl -hydroxytetrahydrtr2flfuryll-heptanoic acid nitrile of the formula a mica-quii on showing in the mass spectrum fragments of 324, 308, 255 and 215 m/e.

The starting material is prepared as follows: The mixture of 14 g of 7-cyanoheptanal, 38 g of ethyl triphenylphosphoranylidene-acetate and 100 ml of benzene is refluxed for 15 hours and evaporated. The residue is triturated with diethyl ether, filtered and the filtrate evaporated. The residue is allowed to stand overnight in the refrigerator, triturated with the minimum amount ofdiethyl ether, the suspension filtered, the fil trate evaporated, the residue distilled and the fraction boiling at 130l 38/0.l mm Hg collected, to yield the 9-eyano-2'nonenoic acid ethyl ester of the formula 33.4 g thereofare added at once at 10 to the mixture prepared from 3.68 g of pulverized sodium and 16.9 g of ethyl glycolate in 300 ml of diethyl ether, evaporating the mixture after stirring it at room temperature overnight and adding I ml of dimethylsulfoxide. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for 2 hours, poured into ml of cold 2N hydrochloric acid and extracted with diethyl ether. The extract is washed with water, dried and evaporated, to yield the 246' cyanohexyll-4-oxotetrahydrofuran3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester of the formula which is used as such without further purification.

To the solution of 37.l g thereofin 360 ml ofethanol, 3.6 g of sodium borohydride are added during 5 minutes while stirring at 0. After one half hour, the mixture is poured onto ice water, extracted with diethyl ether, the extract washed with water and saturated aqueous sodium chloride, dried and evaporated Each gram of the residue is chromatographed on 30 g of sil- COOC H ica gel and the column eluted with ethyl acetatemethylene chloride (1:1), to yield the 2(6- cyanohexyl)-4-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester of the formula showing in the IR. spectrum bands at 3500, 2250 and 1730 cm".

The mixture of 594 mg thereof, 450 mg ofdihydropyrane, 30 mg of picric acid and 10 ml of methylene chloride is allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. It is evaporated, the residue taken up in diethyl ether, the solution washed three times with 10 percent aqueous potassium bicarbonate, once with water and saturated aqueous sodium chloride, dried and evaporated, to yield the 2-(6-cyanohexyl-4(2- tetrahydropyranyloxy)-tetrahydrofuran-3-carboxy1ic acid ethyl ester of the formula showing in the LR. spectrum bands at 2250, 1730 and none at 3500 cm.

To the solution of 735 mg thereofin 35 ml of tetrahydrofuran, 100 ml of lithium aluminum hydride are added while stirring at 20C. After 3 hours, 35 ml of diethyl ether are added, followed by a few drops of methanol and water. It is filtered, the filtrate evaporated, the residue chromatographed on 30 g of silica gel and eluted with ethyl acetate-methylene chloride (1:9), to yield the 7-13-hydroxymethy1-4-(2- tetrahydropyranyloxy)-tetrahydro-2-furyl]-heptanoic acid nitrile of the formula COOC H5 (CH2)6-CN CH,,- OH

showing in the LR. spectrum bands at 3500, 2930, 2855 and none at 1730 cm.

To the solution of 1.72 g thereof in 500 ml of methylene chloride, the solution of 10 g of pyridine-chromium trioxide complex in 300 ml of methylene chloride is added at once and the mixture stirred at room tempera ture for minutes. It is washed with water, dried, treated with charcoal, filtered and evaporated, to yield the 2-( o-cyanohexyl )4-( 2-tetrahydropyranyloxy tetrahydrofurane-3-carboxaldehyde of the formula j; CH0

0 (CH -CN showing in the [.R. spectrum bands at 2725, 2250 and 1735 cm.

To the solution of 1.4 g thereof in 20 ml of diethyl ether, 2 g of l-tri-n-butylphosphoranilidene-2- heptanone are added while stirring and the mixture al- [owed to stand at room temperature overnight. It is evaporated, the residue subjected to preparative thinlayer chromatography on silica gel plates (1 mm thick), twice eluted with ethyl acetatemethylene chloride (1:4), to yield the 7-[3a-(3-oxo-l trans-octenyl)-4fl- (Z-tetrahydropyranyloxy)-tetrahydro-2B-furyllheptanoic acid nitrile of the formula .T.e=c-co- (ca -ca. 1 \H 2 1 j (CH2)6 SN (CH COOH showing in the N.M.R. spectrum peaks at 6.68. 6.18 and 4.27 ppm. It can be reduced analogous to its 2- tetrahydropyranyl ether, to yield the 7-[3a-(3B- hydroxyl -trans-octenyl )-4B-hydroxy-tetrahydro-25- furyl]-heptanoic acid nitrile directly.

EXAMPLE 2 According to the methods shown in Example 1, the 7[ 3a-(3-oxo-1-trans-octeny1)-4a-( 2- tetrahydropyranyloxy)-tetrahydro-2B-furyl]-heptanoic acid nitrile (Rf= 0.38) is either hydrolyzed to the 401- alcohol, showing in the N.M.R. spectrum peaks at 6.87, 4.40 and 0.90 ppm, either compound reduced with sodium borohydride and the resulting ether hydrolyzed, to yield the 7-[304-(3 g-hydroxy-l-trans-octenyl)-4oz hydroxytetrahydro-2B-furyll-heptanoic acid nitrile of the formula HO ca: cn-(ca -ca (CH2)6-CN It is chromatographed on silica gel and eluted with ethyl acetate-methylene chloride (4:1 to yield the 30:, 4a dihyroxy diastercomer as the slower moving fraction melting at 63--64.

It is analogously hydrolyzed to the 7'[3a-(3ahydroxy-l-trans-octenyl)-4a-hydroxy-tetrahydro-20 furyll-heptanoic acid melting at 5254.

EXAMPLE 3 To the solution of 50 mg of 7[ 3a-( -ethoxy-3-oxo l trans'pentenyl)-4-(2-tetrahydropyranyloxy)- tetrahydro-ZB-furyll-heptanoic acid methyl ester in 8 ml of ethanol, 50 mg of sodium borohydride are added and the mixture stirred for 112 hour at room temperature. It is diluted with 50 ml of diethyl ether, washed with water and saturated aqueous sodium chloride, dried and evaporated. The residue is chromatographed on silica gel and eluted with benzene-ethyl acetatecyclohexane-methanol (:10:4z1), to yield the 7-{301- (5-ethoxy-3 {-hydroxy-l-trans-pentenyl)-4-(2- tetrahydropyranyloxy)-tetrahydro-2B-furyll-heptanoic acid methyl ester of the formula having Rf= 0.38 and showing in the LR. spectrum bands at 3480, 2940 and 1725 cm.

To the solution of 4l mg thereof in 7 ml of methanol 50 ,ul of 2N sulfuric acid are added and the mixture allowed to stand for 10 hours at room temperature. lt is diluted with 50 ml of diethyl ether, washed with water and saturated aqueous sodium chloride, dried and evaporated. The residue is chromatographed on silica gel and eluted with benzene-ethyl acetate-cyclohexanemethanol (4:4:1zl), to yield the 7-[3a-(5-ethoxy-3 -hyroxyl -trans-pentenyl)-4 {-hydroxy-tetrahydro- ZB-furylkheptanoic acid methyl ester having Rf 0.44 and showing in the N.M.R. spectrum peaks at 5.70, 3.67, 2.30 and 1.40 ppm.

The mixture of 35 mg thereof, 7 ml of methanol and 0.7 ml of 10 percent aqueous potassium carbonate is allowed to stand at room temperature for 48 hours and evaporated. The residue is taken up in 5 ml of water, 5 ml of saturated aqueous sodium chloride are added and the mixture is washed with diethyl ether. It is aciditied with 2N sulfuric acid, extracted with diethyl ether, the extract dried and evaporated. The residue is chromatographed on silica gel and eluted with benzeneethyl acetate-cyclohexane-methanol-formic acid (4:4:l:l:0.04), to yield the 7-[3a-( 5-ethoxy-3 -hydroxy l-trans-pentenyl)-4 -hydroxy-tetrahydro ZB-furyllheptanoic acid of the formula having Rf 0.3] and showing in the mass spectrum fragments of 326, 295, 280, 168, 141 and lOl m/e.

The starting material is prepared as follows: The mixture of l.65 g of 7-[3'hydroxymethyl-4-(2- tetrahydropyranyloxy)-tetrahydro2-furyl]-heptanoic acid nitrile, 24 ml of methanol, 8 ml of water and 6 ml of 20 percent aqueous potassium hydroxide is heated in a sealed tube to l l0 for 48 hours. It is evaporated, the residue taken up in 10 ml of water and 10 ml of saturated aqueous sodium chloride, the mixture washed with diethyl ether and the aqueous layer acidified with dry ice to pH 5. It is extracted 8 times with diethyl ether, the extract dried, concentrated and the concentrate treated with ethereal diazomethane until the yellow color persists. After a half hour stirring at room temperature the mixture is evaporated, the residue chromatographed on silica gel and eluted with ethyl acetate-methylene chloride (1:1), to yield the 7-[3ahydroxymethyl-4 (2-tetrahydropyranyloxy)- tetrahydro-ZB-furyll-heptanoic acid methyl ester having Rf 0.36.

To the solution of mg thereof in 50 ml of methyl ene chloride, the mixture of 450 mg of pyridinechromium trioxide complex and 30 ml of methylene chloride is added at once while stirring at room temperature for 10 minutes. The mixture is washed with water, dried, decolorized with charcoal, evaporated, the residue chromatographed on silica gel and eluted with ethyl acetate-methylene chloride (25:22.5), to yield the 2B-(fi-methoxycarbonylhexyl)-4 '(2- tetrahydropyranyloxy )-tetrahydrofu ran3ozcarboxaldehyde having Rf 0.29.

The mixture of 89 mg thereof, ll0 mg of l-tri-nbutylphosphoranylidene-4-ethoxy-2-butanone and 5 ml of diethyl ether is allowed to stand at room temperature overnight, It is evaporated, the residue chromatographed on silica gel and eluted with benzenecyclohexane-ethyl acetate (2:1:2). to yield the 7-[3a- (5-ethoxy-3-oxol -trans-pentenyl )-4 2 tetrahydropyranyloxy)-tetrahydro-2B-furyl]-heptanoic acid methyl ester having Rf 0.36.

EXAMPLE 4 To the solution of 0.25 g of 7-[3a-(3-oxo4-transoctenyl)'4/3-(2-tetrahydropyranyloxy)-tetrahydro-2B- furyll-5-cis-heptenoic acid methyl ester in 5 ml ofethanol, 50 mg of sodium borohydride are added while stirring at 0. After one-half hour the mixture is diluted with diethyl ether, washed with water, dried and evaporated. The residue is chromatographed on silica gel and the column eluted with ethyl acetate-methylene chlo ride (1:4), to yield the 7-[301-(3 tf-hydroxy ltransoctenyl)l4,8(2-tetrahydropyranyloxy)-tetrahydro- ZB-furyl]-5cis-heptenoic acid methyl ester of the formula a no eaf-cm- (ca )h- CH1 a HOH (The 3a-hydroxy-epimer thereof has an Rf 0.335)

The mixture of 82 mg thereof, 2 ml of methanol and 3 ml of 0.1 N aqueous sodium hydroxide is stirred at room temperature for 5 hours and evaporated. The residue is dissolved in 5 ml of saturated aqueous sodium chloride and 5 ml of water and extracted with diethyl ether. The aqueous layer is neutralized with 3 ml of 0.1 N aqueous hydrochloric acid and extracted three times with diethyl ether. The extract is dried and evaporated, to yield the 7[3a-(3fi-hydroxy-l-trans-octenyl)-4l3- hydroxy-tetrahydro-2B-furyl]-5cis-heptenoic acid of the formula CH (iT=C- (CH COOH having an Rf 0.573 (silica gel, benzene-dioxaneacetic acid, l0:10:0.5). The corresponding 30:- hydroxy-epimer has an RF 0.654.

The starting material is prepared as follows:

The mixture of 10.2 g of 2,2-diethoxy acetaldehyde, 27.8 g of methyl triphenylphosphoranylidene-acetate and 130 ml of benzene is refluxed for hours and evaporated. The residue is triturated with diethyl ether, filtered and the filtrate evaporated. The residue is allowed to stand overnight in the refrigerator, triturated with the minimum amount of diethyl ether, the suspension filtered, the filtrate evaporated, the residue dis- 01-1 c=c- (CH2 COOCH3 tilled and the fraction boiling at 50 54/0.1 mm Hg collected, to yield the 4,4-diethoxy-crotonic acid methyl ester.

20.5 g thereof are added at once at 0 to the mixture, prepared from 2.76 g of pulverized sodium and 11.9 g of methyl glycolate in 300 ml of diethyl ether. evapo rating the mixture after stirring it at room temperature overnight and adding 1 10 ml of dimethylsulfoxide and 50 ml of dimethylformamide. The mixture is stirred at 0 for 2 hours and subsequently at room temperature for one hour, poured into [00 ml of cold water and extracted once with diethyl ether. The aqueous layer is acidified with 2 N hydrochloric acid and extracted with diethyl ether. The extract is washed with water dried, evaporated, the residue distilled and the fraction boiling at l23-l24/0.3 mm Hg collected, to yield the 2- diethoxymethyl-4oxo-tetrahydrofuran-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester of the formula O CH(OC2H5 )2 The solution of 22 g thereof in 30 ml of ethanol is added at to the solution of 3.4 g of sodium borohydride in 270 ml of ethanol and 270 ml of tetrahydrofuran over a period of 10 minutes. After one-half hour the mixture is poured onto water and extracted three times with diethyl ether. The extract is washed with water and saturated aqueous sodium chloride, dried and evaporated. Each gram of the residue is chromatographed on 50 g of silica gel and the column eluted with ethyl acetate-methylene chloride l :4), to yield the less polar 2B-diethoxymethyl-4/3-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran- 3a-carboxylic acid methyl ester of the formula HO coocn water and saturated aqueous sodium chloride, dried and evaporated, to yield the 2B-diethoxymethyl-4B-(2- tetrahydropyranyloxy)-tetrahydrofuran-3a-carboxylic acid methyl ester showing in the NMR spectrum bands at 4.6, 3.72, 1.63 and 1.22 ppm.

To the solution of 2.7 g thereof in 160 ml of diethyl ether, 314 mg of lithium aluminum hydride are added while stirring at C. After three hours 100 ml of diethyl ether are added, followed by a few drops of methanol and water. 1t is filtered and the filtrate evaporated, to yield the 2B-diethoxymethyl-3a-hydroxymethyl-4B- (2-tetrahydropyranyloxy)-tetrahydrofuran, showing in the NMR spectrum bands at 4.58, 6.66 and 1.29 ppm.

To the solution of 4.87 g thereof in ml of pyridine, 2.05 ml of benzoyl chloride are added over a period of two minutes while stirring at 0. After one hour, the mixture is diluted with diethyl ether and washed with water, 1 N hydrochloric acid, again with water and brine, dried and evaporated, to yield the 30:- benzoyloxymethyl-ZB-diethoxymethyl-4B-(2- tetrahydropyranyloxy)-tetrahydrofuran, showing in the NMR spectrum bands of 8.1, 7.5, 1.6 and 1.25 ppm.

The mixture of 6.4 g thereof, 60 ml of glacial acetic acid and 72 ml of water is heated with stirring at 60C for 24 hours. It is evaporated under reduced pressure, the residue dissolved in ml of toluene, dried and evaporated, to yield the 3a-benzoyloxymethyl-4B- hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran-2B-carboxaldehyde, showing in the NMR spectrum bands at 8.0, 7.45, 4.25 and 3.91

The solution of 4.98 g thereofin ml of dry tetrahydrofuran is added dropwise at 0 to the solution, prepared from adding dropwise 40.8 ml of n-butyl lithium to a stirred suspension of 27.5 g of phenylthiomethyltriphenylphosphonium chloride in 500 ml of diethyl ether and allowing the mixture to stir at room temperature for one-half hour. Thereupon it is poured into water, the organic layer dried and evaporated. The residue is triturated with diethyl ether, filtered and evaporated. Each gram of the residue is chromatographed on g of silica gel and the column eluted with ethyl acetate-methylene chloride 1:4), to yield the 3a benzoyloxymethyl-4B-hydroxy-2/3-(2- phenylthioethenyl)-tetrahydrofuran of the fonnula showing in the NMR spectrum bands at 7.98, 7.41, 7.15, 6.37, 5.91, 4.3 and 3.87 ppm.

analyzing cor It is diluted with diethyl ether, washed with 10 percent aqueous potassium bicarbonate and water, dried and evaporated, to yield the 2/3-(2-phenylthioethenyl)-4B- (2-tetrahydropyranyloxy)-3a-(2- tetrahydropyranyloxymethyl)-tetrahydrofuran, showing in the NMR spectrum bands at 7.23, 6.35, 6.27, 4.6 and 1.58 ppm.

The mixture of 5.87 g thereof, 66 m1 of glacial acetic acid, 4.5 ml of acetic anhydride and 8.95 g of mercuric acetate is heated with stirring at 50 for 2 hours. It is evaporated under reduced pressure, the residue dissolved in l 10 ml of methanol and the solution treated with 37 ml of 10 percent aqueous potassium carbonate at room temperature for 15 minutes. The mixture is cooled to 0, and 3 g of sodium borohydride are added with stirring. After two hours, the mixture is evaporated, the residue taken up in diethyl ether, the solution washed with water, dried and evaporated. The residue is subjected to preparative thin layer chromatography on silica gel plates (1 mm thick), eluted with ethyl acetate and the band corresponding to Rf 0.25 is extracted with ethyl acetate-methanol (1:1 to yield the 2B-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4B-(Z-tetrahydropyranyloxy)-3a- (Z-tetrahydropyranyloxymethyl)-tetrahydrofuran, showing in the NMR spectrum bands at 4.6, 3.76 and 1.58 ppm.

To the solution of 270 mg thereof in ml of methylene chloride, 1.2 g of chromium trioxide-pyridine complex are added at once at room temperature while stirring. After 10 minutes the mixture is poured into water, the organic layer separated, dried, deeolorized with charcoal and evaporated, to yield 23-[413-(2- tetrahydropyranyloxy)-3a-(2- tetrahydropyranyloxymethyl)-tetrahydro-2B-furyl]- acetaldehyde, showing in the 1R. spectrum bands at 2930, 2855, 2720 and 1720 cm.

The solution of 250 mg thereof in 1 m1 of dimethylsulfoxide is added dropwise at room temperature with stirring to the mixture, prepared by adding 7.4 ml of 1 .5 molar sodium methylsulfinylmethiodide in dimethylsulfoxide to the solution of 1.1 g of 4-carboxybutyl-triphenylphosphonium bromide in 5 ml of dimethylsulfoxide. After 15 minutes the mixture is poured into water and washed once with diethyl ether. The aqueous layer is acidified with dry ice and extracted five times with diethyl ether. The extract is washed with water and saturated aqueous sodium chloride, dried and evaporated. The residue is dissolved in 5 ml of methanol and treated with an excess of ethereal diazomethane at 0 for one-half hour. It is evaporated and the res idue subjected to preparative thin layer chromatography on silica gel plates and eluted with ethyl acetate methylene chloride (1:4), to yield the 7[4,8-(2- tetrahydropyranyloxy )-3a-( 2 tetrahydropyranyloxymethyl)-tetrahydro2B-furyl]-5- cis-heptenoic acid methyl ester.

The mixture of 167 mg thereof, 5 ml of methanol and 10 mg of ptoluenesulfonic acid is allowed to stand at room temperature overnight and evaporated. The residue is taken up in diethyl ether, the solution washed with water, dried and evaporated. The residue is subjected to preparative thin layer chromatography on silica gel plates and eluted with ethyl acetate, to yield the 7-(4B-hydroxy-3a hydroxymethyLtetrahydro-ZB- furyl)-5-cis-heptenoic acid methyl ester of the formula no ,cn oii having Rf 0.235.

To the solution of 534 mg thereof in 5 ml of pyridine is added dropwise at the solution of 386 mg of pnitrobenzoyl chloride in ml of pyridine while stirring. After 3 hours stirring at 0, the mixture is stirred at room temperature overnight, poured into water and extracted with diethyl ether. The extract is washed with l N hydrochloric acid and water, dried and evaporated. The residue is subjected to preparative thin layer chromatography on silica gel plates and eluted with ethyl acetate-methylene chloride (4: l to yield the 7-(3a-pnitrobenzoyloxymethyl-4B-hydroxy-tetrahydro-2B- furyl)-5-cis-heptenoic acid methyl ester having Rf 0.187.

The mixture of 55 mg thereof, 1 ml of methylene chloride, 15 mg of dihydropyrane and 2 mg of picric acid is stirred at room temperature overnight. It is diluted with diethyl ether, washed with percent aqueous potassium bicarbonate, water, dried and evaporated, to yield the 7-[3a-p-nitrobenzoyloxy-4B-(2- tetrahydropyranyloxy)-tetrahydro-2B-furyl]-S-cisheptenoic acid methyl ester, having Rf 0.28 on silica gel plates eluted with ethyl acetate-methylene chloride (1:4).

The mixture of 75 mg thereof, 1 ml of methanol and 0.2 ml of 10 percent aqueous potassium carbonate is stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes, diluted with 25 ml of diethyl ether, washed with water and saturated aqueous sodium chloride, dried and evaporated, to yield the 7-[3a-hydroxymethyl-4B-(2- tetrahydropyranyloxy)-tetrahydro-2B-furyll-S-cisheptenoic acid methyl ester, having an Rf 0.143 on silica gel plates eluted with ethyl acetate-methylene chloride (l:4).

To the solution of 60 mg thereof in 30 ml of methylene chloride, 270 mg of pyridine-chromium trioxide complex is added at once and the mixture stirred at room temperature for minutes. lt is washed with water, dried, treated with charcoal, filtered and evaporated, to yield the 7-( 3a formyl-4B-( 2- tetrahydropyranyloxy)-tetrahydro-2;8-furyl)-5-cisheptenoic acid methyl ester, having Rf 0.44 on silica gel plates eluted with ethyl acetate-methylene chloride l :4).

To the solution of 57 mg thereof in l ml of diethyl ether, 60 mg of l-tri-n-butylphosphoranylidene 2- heptarione are added while stirring and the mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. It is evaporated, the residue subjected to preparative thin layer chromatography on silica gel plates, eluted with ethyl acetate-methylene chloride (2:23), to yield the 7-[3a-(3-oxo-l-trans-octenyl)-4B-(2- tetrahydropyranyloxy)-tetrahydro2B-furyll-S-cisheptenoic acid methyl ester of the formula having Rf 0.34 and showing in the NMR spectrum bands at 6.76, 6.18, 5.48 and 0.89 ppm.

EXAMPLE 5 To the solution of 0.6l 7 g of 7-[302-(3-oxo-l-trans-6- phenylhexenyl)-4B-(2-tetrahydropyranyloxy)- tetrahydro-ZB-furyl]-heptanoic acid nitrile in 50 ml of ethanol, 0.167 g of sodium borohydride are added while stirring at 0. After 1/2 hour, the mixture is poured into ice water, extracted with diethyl ether, the extract washed with water and saturated aqueous sodium chloride, dried and evaporated, to yield 0.59 g of 7-[3a-(3 fi-hydroxy-l-trans-6-phenylhexenyl)-4B-(2- tetrahydropyranyloxy )-tetrahydro-2B-furyl -heptanoic acid nitrile of the formula cu c=c- (cit ,coocn "I I L 3 ll. 1i

showing in the l.R. spectrum inter alia a band at 2253, but none at 1690 or 1630 cm.

To the solution of 0.59 g thereof in 10 ml of methano], 60 mg of p-toluene sulfonic acid are added and the mixture allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The mixture is treated with 0.l ml of triethylamine, evaporated, the residue taken up in water, the mixture extracted with diethyl ether, the extract washed with water and saturated aqueous sodium chloride, dried and evaporated. The residue is subjected to preparative thin-layer chromatography on silica gel plates (1 mm thick), eluted twice with ethyl acetatemethylene chloride (:35) and of the two main fractions, the slower moving isomer is isolated, to yield the 7-[3a-( 3/3-hydroxy-l-trans-6-phenylhexenyl)-4}3- hydroxy-tetrahydro-ZB-furyl]heptanoic acid nitrile of the formula having an Rf 0.22. (The corresponding 3a-hydroxycompound has an Rf 0.38).

The mixture of 0.22 g thereof, 7 ml of methanol, 3 ml of water and L5 ml of 20 percent aqueous potassium hydroxide is heated in a sealed tube to l l5-l 20 for 48 hours and evaporated. The residue is taken up in 20 ml of water and 20 ml of saturated aqueous sodium chloride, the mixture neutralized with dry ice and extracted 8 times with diethyl ether. The extract is dried and evaporated, to yield 0.18 g of 7-[3a-(3fl-hydroxy- 1-trans-6-phenylhexenyl)-4/:lhydroxy-tetrahydr028- furyll-heptanoic acid of the formula HO l : \(CH2)6-COOH showing in the NMR spectrum bands at 7.2, 5.5, 3.78 and 2.63 ppm. The corresponding 7-[3a-(3a-hydroxyl-trans-o-phenylhexenyl)-4B-hydroxy-tetrahydroQB furyll-heptanoic acid is similarly prepared showing in the NMR spectrum bands at 7.2, 5.55, 4.1 and 1.35

In the analogous manner the 7-[30z-( 3oxo'l-trans-6- phenylhexenyl) 4a-(Z-tetrahydropyranyloxyJ- tetrahydro-ZB-furyll-heptanoic acid nitrile is converted to 7-[3a-(3B- and 3a-hyroxy-l-trans-6 phenylhexenyl)-4oz-hydroxy-tetrahydro-2B-furyl]- heptanoic acid nitrile with Rf 0.37 and 0.22 respectively [silica gel, ethyl acetate-methylene chloride (6.5135 1.

Both isomers are hydrolized with potassium hydroxidc in methanol at 120C for 48 hours and yield the 7- [3a-(3B- and 3oz-hydroxyl-trans-6-phenylhexenyl)- 4oz-hydroxy-tetrahydro-ZB-furyll-heptanoic acids having an Rf 0.60 and 0.57 respectively {silica gel, benzene-dioxaneacetic acid (10:10:05)].

The starting material is prepared as follows: To the solution of 0.935 g of 7-[3-formyl4-(2- tetrahydropyranyloxy)-tetrahydro-2-furyll-heptanoic acid nitrile in 40 ml of diethyl ether, 1.44 g of l-tri-n butylphosphoranylidene-2-( S-phenylpentanone) are added while stirring and the mixture allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. It is evaporated, the residue subjected to preparative thin-layer chromatography on silica gel plates (1 mm thick), twice eluted with ethyl acetate-methylene chloride (1:4), to yield the 7-[3a-(3-oxo-1-trans-6phenylhexenyl)-4B-(2 tetrahydropyranyloxy)-tetrahydro-2B-furyll-heptanoic acid nitrilc of the formula (CH2)6-CN having Rf 0.467.

The corresponding 4a-tetrahydropyranyloxy epimer has an Rf 0.40.

EXAMPLE 6 water. dried and evaporated. The residue is subjected to preparative thin-layer chromatography on silica gel plates (1 mm thick), eluted with ethyl acetatemethylene chloride (3:2) and the band corresponding to Rf 0.49 yields the 7-130z-(3Bhydroxy-3a-methyl- 1-trans-octenyl)-4B-( 2-tetrahydropyranyloxy tetrahydro-ZB-furyl]-heptanoic acid nitrile.

The mixture of 361 mg thereof, 10 ml of methanol and mg of oxalic acid is stirred at room temperature overnight. It is neutralized with triethylamine, 200 ml of ether are added, the mixture is washed with water, dried and evaporated, to yield the 7-[3a-(3B-hydroxy- 3a-methyl-l-trans-octenyl)-4B-hydroxy-tetrahydro- ZB-furyll-heptanoic acid nitrile showing in the NMR spectrum bands at 5.68, 5.5, 4.18, 3.81, 3.52, 1.50 and 0.90 ppm.

The mixture of 165 mg thereof, 6 ml of methanol, 2 ml of water and 1 ml of 20 percent aqueous potassium hydroxide is heated in a sealed tube to l15l20 for 48 hours and evaporated. The residue is taken up in 10 ml of water and 10 ml of saturated aqueous sodium chloride, the mixture neutralized with dry ice and extracted 8 times with diethyl ether. The extract is dried and evaporated, to yield the 7-{3a-(3B-hydroxy-3amethyll-trans-octenyl) 4B-hydroxy-tetrahydro-20 furyl]-heptanoic acid of the formula H on 1 H0 c=ccon CH3 I ll CH3 A O/\(CH2)6COOH showing in the NMR spectrum bands at 6.29, 5.58, 2.3l and 0.90 ppm.

EXAMPLE 7 The solution of mg of 7-[3a-(3/3-hydroxy-1- transoctenyl) 4,8-hydroxy-tetrahydro-2Bfuryl]- heptanoic acid in 5 ml of diethyl ether is treated with excess of ethereal diazomethane at 0 for one-half hour and the solution evaporated under reduced pressure, to yield the corresponding methyl ester showing in the NMR spectrum bands at 3.64, 2.3 and 0.9 ppm.

In a similar manner the methyl esters of the acids illustrated by the examples are prepared, e.g. 7-[3a-(3B- hydroxy 1--trans-nonenyl)-4B-hydroxy-tetrahydro-2B- fury] Lheptanoic acid methyl ester showing in the NMR spectrum hands at 5.65, 2.3, 1.41 and 0.9 ppm.

EXAMPLE 8 56 mg of 7-13a-(3B-hydroxy-l-trans-octenyl)-4B- hydroxy-tetrahydro-Zfl-furyll-hcptanoic acid are hydrogenated in 5 ml of ethanol over 10 mg of 10 percent palladium on charcoal at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The catalyst is filtered off and the filtrate evaporated, to yield the 7-13a-(3B-hydroxyoctyl)- 4B-hydroxy-tetrahydro-2B-furyl1-heptanoic acid of the formula d at 100 for 3.25 hours and filled into ml ampuls with standard equip- 5 ment.

by adding the fusion saline, to obtain a 3 ,883 ,659 25 26 showing in the NMR spectrum bands of 3.8, 2.33, 1.31 sulting solution is made up to 17 It with water, filtered and PP through a sintered glass funnel, the filtrate placed into 2 1t sterilized bottles, steam'sterilixe This injection solution l0 g/ml) can be used in the preparation of an infusion solution, proper amount thereof to in solution containing l0 pg of the active ingredient per ml (10' g/ml).

3 In the analogous manner injectionor infusion- =C CH--0H solutions are prepared with the remaining compounds H CH -R of the invention, especially those illustrated by the pre- H2 )6 Ru vious examples.

I claim:

1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound, corresponding to the formula Rf R, R,=CN RFCOOH Analogously the unsaturated compounds of the remaining examples can be hydrogenated to the corresponding saturated compounds.

EXAMPLE 9 Analogous to the methods illustrated in the previous examples the following compounds of the formula Nov 4-OH 3-OH are prepared from equivalent amounts of the corresponding starting materials:

DDDD ccccccccoooo oooooooo 0005622554356230 till] 33M33344666667677- 776M$ AABBBBBBAAAAMMMMAAMMMMMM wherein each of R and R is lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, (3 to 7 ring-membered cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl)-C,,.,l-l wherein m is an integer from O to 4,

or Ph-C l-l wherein Ph is phenyl, (lower alkyl)- phenyl, (lower alkoxy)-phenyl, (lower alkylenedioxy)- phenyl, (halogeno)-phenyl, (trifluoromethyl)-phenyl, (nitro)-phenyl or (di-lower alkylamino)-phenyl and n is an integer from 1 to 4, or R is also hydrogen, Ph, an alkali metal or one equivalent of an alkaline earth metal and R is also (lower alkoxy or halo)-lower alkyl, A is ethylene or ethenylene, R and R are hydrogen or lower alkyl, or the 1,Z-dihydro-derivatives thereof conethyl acetate-methylene chloride l3:7l

-cyclohcxanencthunoll [0:102 5:15:01] hen/en;- dimanc-aeetic acid (221M) EXAMPLE l0 Preparation of injection ampuls each containing 50 mg of the active ingredient:

The chloropropanol is first dissolved in 13 lt of water at 90, then the sodium carboxymethylcellulose is added while stirring, followed by the methylcellulose B ethyl acctatc-mcthylene chloride (32) Formula:

7 3a-( 3B-hydroxyl -trans-octcnyl W113- hydroxy-tetrahydro-2l3-furylLheptanoic acid 1,! ,1-Trichloro2-methyl-2-propanol Polysorhate 8U Methylcellulosc IOU cps Sodium carboxymethylcellulose 70 MV Water for injection Procedure:

and stirring is continued for 15 minutes. The mixture is allowed to stand at 10 for l2 hours, combined with the polysorbate and the solution of the sodium chloride and active ingredient in 250 ml of water each. The retaining no double bond at the l-chain-carbon atom in an amount sufficient for producing a prostaglandin-like effect, together with a pharmaceutical excipient.

2. A composition as claimed in claim I, wherein the effective compound corresponds to the formula COOR CH2 A (H 

1. A PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITION COMPRISING A COMPPOUND, CORRESPONDING TO THE FORMULA
 2. A composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the effective compound corresponds to the Formula
 3. A composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the effective compound is the 7-(3 Alpha -(3 Beta -hydroxy-1-trans-octenyl)-4 Beta -hydroxy-tetrahydro-2 Beta -furyl)-heptanoic acid. 